US chief negotiator Christopher Hill said Thursday parties to the ongoing nuclear talks need to clarify the principles for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.  

Hill told reporters this morning "We really need clarity on the principles; it is precisely the clarity we are seeking. That is so necessary."

"Everyone in Washington very much wants to see we reach an agreement on principles, so that we can move on," he said.

He said he needed to know precisely what the North Korean delegation has agreed to do.

Hill said he would meet the Chinese delegation and possibly confer with the other delegations Thursday morning.

He also appreciated China's efforts on the draft.

As the end date has not yet been decided when the six-party talks have entered the tenth day, Hill said he would stay "as long as I feel it is useful to be here."

Japanese delegation head Kenichiro Sasae said Thursday his delegation would hold talks with the Chinese delegation this morning.

(Xinhua News Agency August 4, 2005)